Friedman testifies on behalf of Soffar

Last summer Kinky Friedman signed TSADP’s Moratorium Petition in San Antonio. At the time Kinkster said that his main concern was to focus and to be “Damn sure we won’t execute the wrong guy”. Mr. Friedman went so far as to boldly state he would find an alternative to Texas’ “Eject ‘em or inject ‘em” policy on death row legislature. However according to Houston Chronicle, “Friedman said Tuesday that he has changed his position and will campaign against capital punishment.”

“The (criminal justice) system is not perfect,” he said. “Until it’sperfect, let’s do away with the death penalty.”

Friedman testified during the punishment phase of Max Soffar’s trial that the defendant should not be executed and questioned the evidence used to convict him.

“I’ve seen the problems with the lawyers. Everybody’s dead. All the witnesses are dead. There’s no evidence against him,” he said. “And I can’t even believe he was brought to trial in the first place.”

Friedman, a musician-turned-mystery author-turned-politician, said his court appearance had nothing to do with his run for governor. Known for his trademark black cowboy hat and cigar, Friedman needs to collect more than 45,000 signatures after the March 7 primaries to be placed on the November ballot.